Editing Airfix (section)

== Model railways ==
In 1962 Airfix bought from Rosebud Kitmaster Ltd, its moulds and stock for the [[Rosebud Kitmaster|Kitmaster]] railway range. The models were adapted to be compatible with Airfix's rolling stock models produced from 1960 which went with Airfix's trackside accessories of a few years earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airfixrailways.co.uk/History.htm |title=Airfix Related Items |publisher=Airfixrailways.co.uk |access-date=2010-06-08}}</ref> Only ten of the Kitmaster locomotives were released under Airfix.

From 1975 to 1981 Airfix also manufactured a line of ready-to-run models of British railway stock in [[OO gauge]] ({{frac|1|76.2}} scale). Their details and accuracy were an improvement on rival products from other British manufacturers such as [[Hornby Railways|Hornby]]. The product range expanded rapidly. A model of a [[Great Western Railway]] (GWR) 0-4-2 autotank steam locomotive and GWR auto coach are amongst some of the many memorable and important product releases. Airfix also offered an analogue electronics-based multiple train control system (MTC) allowing independent control of locomotives on the same track. Airfix produced a large number of plastic kits for both railway stock and scenic items. Some of these such as the footbridge and engine shed became instantly recognisable to almost every railway modeller in the UK.

The brand label was changed to Great Model Railways (GMR) in 1979, although the Airfix name was still included. However, Airfix left the model railway business in 1981. The models were sold to one of its main competitors [[Palitoy]] which produced the [[Mainline Railways|Mainline]] range of products. The former Airfix moulds together with the Palitoy-designed 2P 4-4-0 and [[British Rail Class 56|Class 56 diesel]] were later re-sold to [[Dapol]] Ltd and then subsequently to Hornby. Dapol provided new chassis for the 14xx and Castle. The remainder of the Mainline Railways had been produced for Palitoy by Kader Industries and ownership of those tools remained with Kader, is later used to form the basis of the [[Bachmann Branchline]] models. Dapol continues to produce (but not promote) most of the kits but as the moulds (some now over forty years old) wear out the kits are being discontinued. Hornby continues to make 4&nbsp;mm/ft scale models from the Airfix mouldings.

A monthly magazine, ''Model Trains'', was published by Airfix from January 1980. The magazine included especially good articles aimed at newcomers to the hobby and also included many articles about modelling US and Continental European railways, as well British prototype railways. The publication of ''Model Trains'' continued for some years after Airfix ceased ownership in 1981. A change in the editorial team saw the original ''Model Trains'' editorial staff launch a new title as ''Scale Trains'', in April 1982. A slight name change followed in April 1984, as ''Scale Model Trains'' following the final issue of ''Model Trains'' in December 1983. ''Scale Model Trains'' ran until June 1995, when a new publisher was found and the magazine was relaunched in 1995 as ''Model Trains International'', the November/December issue being issue number 1. It continues to be published.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.modeltrainsinternational.co.uk/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi|title=Account Suspended|website=www.modeltrainsinternational.co.uk|accessdate=18 December 2022}}</ref>